Not Goodbye, But a See You Later

Dila Karababa

When I was asked to write this, I didn’t know much strong words to describe the relationship of Harriette and Toby. However, if any word could describe the relationship of a mother and her child, a sister and her brother, and best-friendship all together, that word would be just perfect to describe Harriette and Toby.

To be honest, I don’t like Toby much, because he is really rude to me since he wants to be liked better than me by Harriette when he already is? I don’t know why he is so greedy… like okay Toby have it all!?

“You already have her every day after school, what else do you want?”

Jokes aside, Toby is a close buddy of mine because he keeps Harriette motivated and happy, also her heart at the warmest stage (because I am really scared of how Harriette would turn out in the terrible Innovation Institute mornings when she hasn’t seen Toby the other day, scarier than Coraline’s mother I imagine, which is the farthest my imagination goes for the word horrifying and I am not even joking).

Although some would call it ‘psychotic’ to watch their horse sleeping every five minutes from a secret camera, we, as her friends and family know that it is only because Harriette cares for Toby much more than she does for anything else (because if that is not the reason…I am calling rehab, sorry Harriette).

If you observe Harriette closely when she is talking about Toby, I am sure you can see the extreme happiness and passion that she feels, and the endless love she has for Toby. She does love riding, as one can clearly tell, but I believe that is majorly from the bond she has with Toby. Because I know for a fact that leaving Toby was one of the hardest things she had to do, and whatever she will be riding in the future, it won’t be the same as Toby.

I am so amazed with how much love she holds in her heart for Toby. She loves Toby in a much grater level that he gets featured in her Instagram and Snapchat much more than her best friends does, whereas her best friends rarely gets a ‘lol’ to their extremely entertaining memes (I promise I am not petty).

“I know for a fact that leaving Toby was one of the hardest things she had to do, and whatever she will be riding in the future, it won’t be the same as Toby.”

I once experienced myself that one of the doctor person cut toby’s nails too short, and oh boy… I once saw Harriette that mad when I spoiled the Endgame for her… did NOT end well.

I admit, I will miss having conversations about horses and holding the rope thingy that I never understand what is for. I am really lucky that I had the chance to witness this unique relationship, because although, I accept, I am a tiny bit jealous of Toby, their relationship not only taught me that riding is an ACTUAL sport (please don’t kill me), but also compromises that comes with great passion, and love (Yes, a Frankenstein reference. And yes, I don’t know how I didn’t get a 110% on my essay).

“Despite the many kilometers between Toby and Harriette,their bond is unbreakable.”

Even if they don’t see each other for years, when they do, I know Toby will still shake his head to the left when Harriette stands straight in front of him and looks at his left side. **

SNAPSHOT MEMORY!

10.08.16

We had multiple sponsors and ambassadorships through the existence of our Instagram promoter platform, @shanghaiequestrians. One of the first ones was Aztec Equine, a small paracord horse tack company based in Alberta, Canada.

We did many small photoshoots (all with just our phones at the time) with the products that we received from them, including reins, lead ropes, halters, name tags, and reins.

A Message FROM FLORIDA Harriette,

We met in 6th grade drama class and I never would have guessed how close we would become. When I left SAS I knew we would stay friends for life and I was right. Even with a 15 hour plane ride between us we found a way to make it work. From summers in New Jersey to winters up in Fishkill we always picked right back up. I love you so much and I’m so happy you’ll be closer to me! I know it’s gonna be a rough move but I’m always here for you. Love you the most and can’t wait to see you soon!

LOVE, LAUREN DONOHUE